Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter

The Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter is a compact clip-on aquarium filter designed for freshwater and saltwater aquariums from 5 to 20 US gallons / 18 to 76 L. Built on the long-running AquaClear platform and updated as part of Fluval’s AC Series, it delivers powerful hang-on-back filtration with 4-stage cleaning, adjustable flow, included media, and a redesigned intake sponge for dependable water clarity in smaller aquariums.

AquaClear 20 Filtration for Small Aquariums

The AC20 is ideal for smaller community tanks, betta aquariums with suitable flow adjustment, shrimp setups, small planted aquariums, and compact saltwater displays that need reliable mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration without using an internal filter. Its clip-on design keeps the filter outside the display area while the media basket gives more filtration flexibility than many cartridge-only power filters.

AC20 Power Filter Features and Benefits

• 4-stage filtration: Combines two mechanical stages, chemical media, and biological media to help remove debris, polish water, and support beneficial bacteria.
• CycleGuard media design: Allows filter media to be replaced independently so the entire biological system is not disturbed at once.
• Patented refiltration system: When flow is reduced, water can remain in contact with the media longer for improved filtration efficiency instead of simply bypassing the filter chamber.
• Adjustable flow control: Lets you reduce or increase output to suit small fish, shrimp, aquascapes, feeding time, or general circulation needs.
• Pre-filter intake sponge: Helps keep plant matter, algae filaments, and larger debris away from the pump intake while adding an extra mechanical filtration stage.
• 30PPI mechanical foam: High-porosity foam improves debris capture while still allowing water to move through the filter efficiently.
• Direct chemical media access: The basket design gives easier access to chemical media without removing the entire media stack.
• Quiet updated construction: A redesigned rotor configuration and sound-dampening cover help reduce vibration and operating noise compared with older-style hang-on filters.

Fluval AquaClear 20 Specifications

• Item number: 19595
• UPC: 015561195959
• Aquarium capacity: 5-20 US gal / 18-76 L
• Maximum flow rate: 100 US GPH / 379 LPH
• Power consumption: 7W at 120 V / 60 Hz
• Dimensions: 5.1 in L x 4.4 in W x 6.4 in H / 12.9 x 11.1 x 16.3 cm
• Filtration type: Clip-on hang-on-back power filter
• Filtration stages: 4-stage mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration
• Included media: Pre-filter sponge, Bio-Foam, BIOMAX, and activated carbon
• Use: Freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• Manufacturing: Made in Italy

Best Uses for the AC20 Power Filter

The Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter is best suited to aquariums that need compact but capable filtration with easy media access. It is a strong choice when you want more customization than disposable cartridge filters usually offer, but still want the simplicity of a hang-on-back design. For lightly stocked nano aquariums, it gives useful flow control and solid media capacity without taking up much cabinet or tank space.

Official Fluval AC Series Video

Setting Up the Fluval AquaClear 20

Rinse the included media before use, place each media type in the basket as directed, hang the filter securely on the aquarium rim, fill the chamber with aquarium water, and plug in the filter once the intake and flow path are ready. Adjust the flow to suit livestock and clean mechanical media regularly to maintain strong water movement.

What’s Included

• AC20 Power Filter
• Pre-filter sponge
• Bio-Foam
• BIOMAX
• Activated Carbon